PEARLS

The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS brings high-quality mental health care to reach older adults who want to improve the way they feel. During 6-8 sessions, participants focus on learning problem-solving skills and brief behavioral techniques. PEARLS coaches empower individuals to take action and make lasting changes so they can lead more active and rewarding lives.

How does it work?

• Problem Solving Treatment:
  • Participants are guided in the seven-step process to define and select problems they want to address and are supported by the coach in selecting a solution. One problem is addressed at each session. Commonly selected problems include financial concerns, social isolation, health care needs, and housing-related issues.
• Social and Physical Activation:
  • Increased activity leads to decreased depression. Each session the coach works with participants to increase social and physical activities inside or outside the home. With coach assistance, participants select activities they feel confident they will be able to do.
• Pleasant Activity Scheduling:
  • At each session, coaches encourage participants to select an activity that they would enjoy as homework.
• Coach participation in Psychiatric Supervision and Consultation.

Who?

PEARLS serves people 60+ living in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties who are encountering different kinds of depression: minor depression, dysthymia (low-grade ongoing depressive symptoms for 2 or more years), and major depression.

Cost?

$5 per session.  PEARLS is funded through a grant from the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging®, Inc.

Questions?

If you’d like to learn more please contact Glenda at glendab@vinevolunteers.org or (507) 386-5571.